Workers in the UK are missing out on holiday time – with one in five (19%) not taking their full allowance. This is according to the ‘2016 Vacation Deprivation’ study from travel website Expedia, which polled more than 9000 employed adults across 28 countries to compare holiday entitlement with the number of days taken and explore […]
work-life balance
UK workers missing out on holiday time
1 in 5 workers forced to use holidays to attend funerals
Nearly one in five employees have been forced to use their annual leave entitlement or take unpaid leave to attend funerals of family members or friends, according to new research from MetLife. Its findings show 19% of workers have been absent to attend funerals or cope with bereavement, which was classed as unpaid leave or […]
Mums forced back to work because partner’s income isn’t enough
One in three mums has been forced back into work because their partner’s income simply doesn’t stretch far enough, a study has revealed. The research found that one in three has even had to cover up money worries from friends and family to avoid awkward or probing questions. A further one in five confess to […]
38 is the ideal age to take a sabbatical
If you’re considering taking a sabbatical from the stresses and strains of modern life, 38 is the ideal age to do it, a study has found. Researchers found as you approach your 40s, this is the time when you are financially secure and established enough in your career that you can afford to take an […]
9 signs you have a poor work-life balance
We write a lot of articles with tips for achieving a better work-life balance, but some people have a hard time recognising they have a problem. Millennial blogger Rachel Ritlop outlined nine signs you have a poor work-life balance in a recent article for Forbes. Take steps to rebalance yourself if you notice any of […]
Half of Brits fail to see a GP because of work
More than half of British workers have failed to see a GP in the past year because their work commitments did not allow it. New research by digital GP service Push Doctor published in the Digital Healthcare Review has revealed that 57% have been unable to book or attend a GP consultation on at least […]
Top work-life balance tips for VAs and entrepreneurs
Last year, more than 4.6million people decided to become their own boss. According to a recent study by the Government Equalities Office, 10% of the female population in the UK is considering starting their own business. The nation has the entrepreneurial bug. It’s a rewarding lifestyle, but a challenging one, according to Edward Poland, Co-Founder […]
Brits consider only a third of their life to be fun
The average Brit reckons their life is only 29% fun, a study has found. A poll of 2000 adults revealed the average Brit considers less than a third of their day to be fun, with the rest of the time taken up by work, chores and things they need to do, but don’t really want […]
UK workers experiencing increased stress and less family time
New research suggests that workloads in offices around the UK have gone up markedly over the last year, resulting in increased stress levels as employees work longer hours and have less time for their families and holidays. These are the key findings of an independent survey commissioned by collaboration and work management platform Wrike about digital […]
Pressure at work damages our relationships
Research out today highlights the immense pressure felt by UK employees to prioritise work ahead of relationships. One in three workers (33%) say their boss thinks work should come before family life, and a third (33%) also say their employer thinks the ideal employee should be available 24 hours a day. This is according to […]
7 ways to stay happy as a virtual assistant
Making the decision to start your own business as a virtual assistant and offer your tiptop organisational skills is a big step to take. While making money is obviously the goal for any start-up company, it’s important to be happy doing what you do. Here are a few tips for finding the right balance. 1 […]
How to support your caring workforce
The workforce is getting older. There are currently three million working carers – people who combine full time careers with looking after an elderly parent. By 2031 there will be six million. The demographics are startling, but there’s some good news on the horizon, says Ben Black What is that exactly? Employers are becoming more […]
Pitman Training leads UK campaign for shorter working week
As Sweden introduces a shorter working week with proven health benefits, increased productivity, and profit, and statistics showing UK workers are struggling to leave their 9-5 on time, with the majority of employees now working an extra day (8.73 hours) every week on top of their contracted hours, Pitman Training has launched a free ‘need […]
AXA PPP releases quiz for employees to assess work-life balance
Work-life balance is more than a buzzword these days. With PAs taking on more and more work, it’s hard to find a happy medium that allows for a decent personal life. To help employees find out whether they should reassess their work-life balance, AXA PPP healthcare has built a simple visual quiz. If you find […]
Employers lose out on talent due to lack of flexible working
It has been more than two years since the right to request flexible working was extended to all employees with six months’ service. However, new research from My Family Care and Hydrogen has revealed a significant disconnect between the high numbers of people who want to work flexibly and the low numbers of employers who […]
Working near home – not at home – is the key to happiness
Working near to where you live, as opposed to setting aside space to work at home, is recognised as delivering the greatest wellbeing benefits to workers, according to a new study by flexible workspace solution provider Regus. 70% of UK professionals believe that working closer to home improves health. Further analysis of the figures reveals […]
The average Brit works 38 days of overtime every year
Earlier this week we reported that UK staff rack up 66 million hours of unpaid overtime each week. A new study has taken this down to an individual level, revealing that British employees work an average of 38 working days above their paid contract every year. Researchers found workers actually graft for an incredible extra […]
Working Families report shows high earners more likely to work flexibly
New research by charity Working Families for National Work Life Week (3-7 October) has found that parents who earn more than £70,000 a year are 47% more likely to work flexibly than those earning between £10,000 and £40,000. Today (5 October) is Go Home On Time Day, a campaign that aims to encourage employees around […]














